Women’s Basketball Recognizes Award Winners at Banquet

May 03, 2011

Providence, RI- The Brown University women's basketball team celebrated their 2010-11 season with a banquet in which the student-athletes, coaches and special guests honored the team's hard work and season accomplishments with the presentation of varsity letters and team wards at Ardeo restaurant in downtown Providence.

Sophomore guard Sheila Dixon headline the night by being named the team's Most Valuable Player after earning Second Team All-Ivy honors and leading the team in scoring with 11 points-per-game, which ranked 13th in the Ivy League. Her 6.3 rebounds per game ranked firsts on the team and 8th in the league, while she ranked first in the Ivy League in defensive rebounds (5.3).

Dixon started in 23 of 26 games for the Bears this season and averaged 28.5 minutes on the floor. She scored in double figures in 15 games and posted four double-doubles this season.

One of her most memorable performances came when she scored 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds in Brown's big upset over the University of Florida on Dec. 5 during the Brown BEAR Basketball Classic, earning her a spot on the All-Tournament Team. She was also a member of the Hawk Holiday Classic's at Monmouth All-Tournament Team as well.

Brown's Defensive Spark award, given to a player who displays the most consistent intensity on defense throughout the season, was given to junior co-captain Aileen Daniels. Daniels started in all 28 games for the Bears and averaged 28.6 minutes on the floor. She shot 41 percent from the field, 34 percent from beyond the arc and shot 73 percent from the charity stripe connecting on 43 of 59 free throws. Her 4.9 rebounds per game ranked second on the team.

The Sixth Player Award, given to the player who was a spark off the bench, went to junior Lindsay Steele. Steele took pride in her role and showed support for her teammates throughout the season. Whether it was making a big basket or coming up with a big shot, Steele could always be counted on. She saw action in 25 games this season and received two starts. The guard averaged 33 percent from the field and tallied seven blocks on the year.

The Most Improved Player award, given to the player who has shown the most improvement in her play over the course of the season, and must show dedication to practice and determination to achieve a new level of play, was awarded to rookie Sophie Beutel. Beutel has a solid freshman season and began her year pulling down a career-high 13 rebounds at the University of Albany. Beutel competed in all 28 games for the Bears and started in one, as she averaged a team-high 52 percent from the field.

Brown's Hustle Award, given to the player who gave the extra effort both physically and mentally, and displayed a competitive attitude by pushing herself and her teammates every day with a fearless and relentless attitude, was given to sophomore Caroline King. King competed in 23 games for the Bears this season before suffering an injury that sidelined her for the remainder of the season. King always had a positive attitude and always gives 100 percent on and off the court.

Last, but certainly not least, junior co-captain Hannah Passafuime, received the team's Harriet Sheridan Leadership Award. The award recognizes the teammate who has the greatest impact on overall team unity, and the winner is someone who sacrificed personal gain for the benefit of the team's goals and took the extra steps necessary to keep everyone focused. Passafuime, just one of two Bears to have started in all 28 games, was second on the team in scoring with 9.4 points per game. She averaged 32 minutes on the floor and was second on the team in rebounds with 4.8 rebounds per game ranked third on the team. Passafuime pulled down a career-high 12 rebounds against Buffalo and added 13 points, and handed out a career-high six assists against Cornell on March 4. She was also selected to the Brown bEAR Basketball Classic's All-Tournament Team.

With the loss of no seniors at the conclusion of the 2010-11 season, and the return of these talented six individuals, the 2011-12 edition of the Brown women's basketball team will be stronger than ever.